Definition

Noun: - The act of repairing or improving damaged relationships, especially in politics or diplomacy: "Fence mending" refers to actions taken to restore goodwill, trust, or cooperation after a period of disagreement or conflict.

Usage

This term is primarily used in political and diplomatic contexts to describe efforts to reconcile with opponents, allies, or constituents after a dispute. It implies a deliberate attempt to smooth over differences and re-establish positive relations.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The senator's visit to the district was an act of fence mending after his controversial vote.
  • Diplomatic fence mending between the two countries began with a series of private meetings.

Advanced Usage

• "to be engaged in fence mending": to be actively involved in repairing relationships.
  • The CEO is currently engaged in fence mending with key investors.
• "a fence-mending mission/trip": a journey or initiative with the specific purpose of improving relations.
  • The ambassador's fence-mending trip was crucial for restarting trade talks.

Variants and Related Words

• To mend fences (verb phrase): The action form of the noun.
  • After the argument, he tried to mend fences with his colleagues.
• Fence-mender (noun): A person who works to improve relations.
  • She acted as a fence-mender between the feuding departments.

Synonyms

• Reconciliation: The restoration of friendly relations.
• Rapprochement: An establishment or resumption of harmonious relations.

Related Phrases

• Bridge building: Similar to fence mending, it emphasizes constructing new connections or repairing old ones.
• Healing the rift: Focusing on closing a division or gap in a relationship.

Noun

1. social action to improve poor relations (especially in politics)
   • they moved forward from a period of fence mending to substantive changes in the country